This Shipping & Delivery Policy ("Policy") explains how orders placed through Smile Agri-Market Technologies Ltd ("Smile Agri-Market," "we," "our," or "us") are processed, shipped, delivered, and managed. This Policy applies to purchases made through https://smileagrimarket.com, our mobile applications, and related services (collectively, the "Platform").
By placing an order through the Platform, you agree to this Policy, our Terms & Conditions, Buyer Policy, Seller Policy, and Refund & Cancellation Policy.
1. Purpose
Smile Agri-Market connects buyers with farmers, suppliers, and other agricultural businesses. Depending on the product and location, deliveries may be arranged by:
- The seller
- Smile Agri-Market
- Approved logistics partners
- Independent courier or freight providers
This Policy outlines the responsibilities of all parties involved in the delivery process.
2. Delivery Coverage
Smile Agri-Market may provide delivery services within:
- Nigeria
- Other African countries (where available)
- International destinations (where permitted by law)
Delivery availability depends on:
- Product type
- Seller location
- Buyer location
- Logistics partner coverage
- Import/export restrictions
- Biosecurity and quarantine requirements
Some products may only be available for local or regional delivery.
3. Order Processing
After an order is placed:
- The seller receives the order.
- Payment is verified where applicable.
- The seller confirms product availability.
- Products are prepared for dispatch.
- Shipping arrangements are made.
- The buyer receives order updates where available.
Orders are typically processed during normal business days. Processing times may vary depending on the seller, product, and season.
4. Processing Times
Estimated processing times may vary by product category.
Typical examples include:
- Fresh produce: 1–3 business days
- Farm inputs: 1–5 business days
- Farm equipment: 2–10 business days
- Custom or bulk orders: As agreed between buyer and seller
These estimates are provided for guidance only and are not guaranteed.
5. Delivery Timeframes
Estimated delivery times depend on:
- Buyer location
- Seller location
- Shipping method
- Customs procedures
- Weather conditions
- Public holidays
- Road conditions
- Availability of transportation
Estimated delivery dates are not guaranteed and may change due to circumstances beyond reasonable control.
6. Shipping Charges
Shipping charges may depend on:
- Weight
- Volume
- Distance
- Delivery speed selected
- Product type
- Cold-chain requirements
- Insurance (if selected)
Applicable shipping costs will generally be displayed before checkout.
7. Delivery Address
Buyers are responsible for providing:
- Accurate delivery addresses
- Contact telephone numbers
- Delivery instructions where necessary
- Recipient information
Smile Agri-Market is not responsible for delays or failed deliveries resulting from incorrect or incomplete address information provided by the buyer.
Additional delivery charges may apply if an order must be re-delivered due to inaccurate delivery information.
8. Perishable Goods
Many products sold through the Platform are perishable.
To preserve quality:
- Buyers should ensure someone is available to receive deliveries.
- Products should be inspected immediately upon arrival.
- Products should be stored according to any handling instructions provided.
Failure to promptly receive or properly store perishable goods may affect eligibility for refunds or replacements.
9. Cold Chain Requirements
Certain products require refrigerated or temperature-controlled transportation.
Where applicable:
- Sellers and logistics providers are responsible for maintaining appropriate transport conditions until delivery.
- Buyers should promptly refrigerate or otherwise store products after receipt.
Smile Agri-Market is not responsible for spoilage caused after delivery due to improper storage by the buyer.
10. Delivery Confirmation
A delivery may be considered complete when:
- The recipient signs for the order.
- Delivery is confirmed electronically.
- A one-time verification code is provided, where applicable.
- Delivery is completed at the agreed location in accordance with the delivery instructions.
Where contactless delivery is offered, confirmation may include photographic evidence or other reasonable proof of delivery.
11. Inspection Upon Delivery
Buyers should inspect their order immediately upon delivery.
If products appear:
- Damaged
- Spoiled
- Incorrect
- Incomplete
- Contaminated
- Materially different from the order
the buyer should notify Smile Agri-Market as soon as reasonably possible and, where practical for perishable goods, within 24 hours of delivery.
Supporting photographs or videos may be requested to assist with the investigation.
12. Failed Deliveries
A delivery may fail if:
- The recipient is unavailable.
- The delivery address is incorrect.
- Access to the property is restricted.
- The recipient refuses delivery without a valid reason.
Where a delivery cannot be completed, additional delivery charges, storage fees, or product disposal costs may apply, particularly for perishable goods.
13. Delivery Delays
Delivery delays may occur due to:
- Severe weather
- Flooding
- Road closures
- Customs inspections
- Government restrictions
- Vehicle breakdowns
- Labour disputes
- Public emergencies
- High seasonal demand
- Other events beyond reasonable control
Smile Agri-Market will make reasonable efforts to communicate significant delays where information is available.
14. Risk of Loss
Unless otherwise agreed or required by applicable law:
- Risk of loss or damage generally transfers to the buyer upon confirmed delivery at the agreed delivery location.
- Ownership of goods transfers in accordance with the applicable sales agreement and after full payment has been received, unless otherwise agreed.
This provision does not affect any mandatory consumer rights under applicable law.
15. Partial Deliveries
In some circumstances, an order may be delivered in multiple shipments.
This may occur due to:
- Product availability
- Different warehouse locations
- Multiple sellers
- Transportation limitations
Where practical, buyers will be informed if their order will arrive in separate deliveries.
16. International Deliveries
International orders may be subject to:
- Customs inspections
- Import permits
- Duties
- Taxes
- Quarantine requirements
- Local agricultural regulations
Unless otherwise stated, buyers are responsible for customs duties, import taxes, and regulatory charges imposed by the destination country.
17. Restricted Products
Some products cannot be shipped to certain destinations due to:
- Import restrictions
- Agricultural quarantine laws
- Biosecurity regulations
- Hazardous material regulations
- Local legal requirements
Smile Agri-Market reserves the right to cancel or refuse shipments where delivery would violate applicable laws or regulations.
18. Tracking Orders
Where available, buyers may receive:
- Shipment confirmations
- Tracking numbers
- Estimated delivery updates
- Delivery notifications
Tracking availability depends on the logistics provider and shipping method used.
19. Logistics Partners
Smile Agri-Market may work with independent logistics providers to facilitate deliveries.
While we seek to partner with reliable providers, each logistics provider remains responsible for the transportation services it performs.
Smile Agri-Market is not responsible for losses or delays solely attributable to the independent acts or omissions of third-party logistics providers, except where liability arises under applicable law or our own actions.
20. Delivery Disputes
If a delivery issue arises, buyers should contact Smile Agri-Market promptly.
We may assist by:
- Reviewing delivery records.
- Contacting the seller.
- Contacting the logistics provider.
- Reviewing tracking information.
- Investigating the circumstances.
Our involvement is intended to facilitate resolution and does not make Smile Agri-Market the carrier or seller unless expressly stated.
21. Force Majeure
Smile Agri-Market shall not be liable for delivery delays or failures caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including:
- Natural disasters
- Epidemics or pandemics
- War
- Civil unrest
- Government actions
- Power failures
- Telecommunications failures
- Cybersecurity incidents
- Transportation disruptions
- Extreme weather conditions
22. Changes to This Policy
We may revise this Shipping & Delivery Policy from time to time.
Material changes will be published on the Platform with an updated Effective Date.
Continued use of the Platform after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.
23. Governing Law
This Policy is governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, without prejudice to any mandatory consumer protection rights that may apply in your jurisdiction.
24. Contact Us
If you have questions about shipping or delivery, please contact:
Smile Agri-Market Technologies Ltd
Website: https://smileagrimarket.com
Customer Support: support@smileagrimarket.com
Logistics Support: logistics@smileagrimarket.com